Spokane Produce

September 27, 2023

Market News

As we move into fall cooler temperatures are forecast for the Coastal California growing regions of Oxnard, Santa Maria, and
the Salinas Valley as well as the west in general. A significant winter-type storm system last week in the Pacific Northwest
looks to be followed by a few more systems as a powerful upper-level system sends a series of fronts into the Northwest.
These systems will bring rain, winds, and cooler temperatures spreading into Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. This has the
potential to impact apple, potato, and onion harvests in the region.
In Central California, the tail end of the current system may bring rain to the transition area of Huron and the grape-growing
regions over the weekend. Although confidence is low on rain amounts cooler temperatures and some moisture are expected.
This pattern of storm systems to the northwest will cool temperatures across California and the desert-growing regions of
Arizona. Fall weather patterns of less daylight hours and cooler temperatures will typically bring lower yields for many crops.
Celery and leaf plantings in the Oxnard region continue on schedule as growers report some fusarium and wilt issues in these
fields. Early celery plantings may be in jeopardy in the area as fusarium continues to impact these fields.
The Huron region continues on track with lettuce, romaine, and mixed leaf as growers watch for possible rain over the
weekend. Production from this transition region is slated to begin around mid-October, lasting into mid-November. Previous
hot temperatures have caused some heat-related damage to these lettuce stands however the overall crop looks to be in
good shape.
Plantings in Yuma are now underway for all crops. The area experienced some severe wind and rain in early September
impacting the broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage fields. This will affect mainly broccoli with early harvest set for late
November possibly impacted. Other plantings had to be pushed back as the fields dried out. Growers are reporting that other
crops in these desert locals are looking good currently.
In the Salinas Valley overall insect and disease pressure continues to rise in many of
these late-season crops. Club root is currently being reported in the Cole crops
(broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, etc.) with fusarium the main culprit in the
upcoming celery fields. Soil-related diseases continue to lower yields in the lettuce
and romaine stands as mildew continues to be a challenge in the leafy green fields.
Growers are emphasizing the use of fungicide sprays to combat the problem as we
move into fall harvesting. Broccoli yields are expected to remain on the lighter side
in the near term with some bead discoloration, brown bead, and hollow core
reported. INSV while not as pervasive as last fall is starting to show up in some
areas of the valley. Growers will be keeping a close eye on this and other diseases
to try to stay ahead of any major outbreaks.
The tender spring mix, spinach, and cilantro items should benefit from the shorter
days and cooler temperatures. This will slow growth and build leaf strength
improving the overall texture of the product.
In the Northeast growers are assessing damage from tropical storm Ophelia that
brought strong winds and heavy rains from eastern North Carolina northward into
Canada. This will impact many local supplies along the Northeastern Seaboard that
were nearing the tail end of their season. Many crops (beans, peppers, squash,
tomatoes eggplant) were in the line of fire as growers continue to assess the
impacts of the storm.
As always upcoming weather patterns in California and across the country will play
a crucial role in future supplies and quality as fall harvests roll on.

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